Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Shape of Things to Come

Some vegans look to the media for validation and/or as a potential ally for advocacy. But it is important to remember that not only is the media run by meat-eaters, but so much of the advertising comes from very non-vegan companies.

So although there will sometimes be stories that break through, we can't expect the media ever to present an honest and thorough case for veganism.

Indeed, the corporate media are sure to give every potentially anti-vegetarian plenty of coverage. Anti-soy fantasies will get plenty of coverage. Pro-meat fantasies will continue to multiply.

But what are more effective (for the media's purposes), and will be more prevalent, are stories of "failed" / former vegetarians. There is a steady stream of these (this is the latest in our inbox), and we can expect them to continue, at an even greater rate.

It is, of course, incredibly easy to just accept the vegan spin that meat, eggs, and dairy are "deadly poison," and veganism cures all. But while that can make us feel good, it is not the way to best help animals by getting more people to stop eating animals -- and maintain that change.

Because if you think about it, from the perspective of a meat-eater, or the media, it is a devastatingly effective critique in an age of soundbites: If meat is so harmful, and veganism so perfect, why did Tom, Dick, Harry, Jane, and Julie all fail?

We need more than just parroting the latest vegan talking point. We need real understanding of and respect for the dynamics at play, as well as an honest understanding of the nutritional intricacies.